Cameroon timber
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The Saskatchewan NDP’s critic for forestry is calling on the province to provide support to help forests in the north recover from this summer’s destructive wildfire season.
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Speaking at a media conference Wednesday afternoon in Saskatoon, Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail said more than 2.9 million hectares of forest was destroyed by fire over the summer, and this is having an impact on the forestry sector.
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“They’re literally seeing future profits go up in smoke,” he said.
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The northern Saskatchewan MLA said the provincial government can play a positive role by investing in reforestation work. McPhail said provincial regulations dictate that forestry companies replant two trees for every single tree they take. These dictates do not apply in instances where trees are destroyed by fires.
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McPhail said by investing in reforestation work, the province could help provide future security for the forestry sector.
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“When you look at the wood allotments, those long-term business plans are going to be based on what wood fibers are going to be there 10 and 15 years from now,” he said.
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McPhail said forestry is the second largest industry in Saskatchewan’s north, and supports nearly 8,000 workers. He added the timber industry is feeling the impact of American tariffs on Canadian lumber, which makes it all the more vital for the province to provide support.
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The northern Saskatchewan MLA also pointed to recent Statistics Canada job data showing the Prince Albert region, which is highly dependent on forestry, losing 1,300 jobs last month.
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Along with the economic angle, McPhail said reforestation is a positive for the environment and will be a positive for northern trappers as the work will help the ecosystem.
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In an emailed statement, the Government of Saskatchewan said the province is committed to doubling growth in the forestry sector and is prepared to support the industry to do this.
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The government’s statement called U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood “unfair,” and said it is working with the federal government to make sure supports for the industry address the concerns of Saskatchewan companies.